COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT HANDBOOK

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2 Student Handbook COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT HANDBOOK This handbook is prepared for the convienience of students and is not to be construed as an official publication of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In case of any divergence from or conflict with the Bylaws or Policies of the Board of Regents, the official Bylwas and Policies of the Board of Regents shall prevail. (NOTE: Policies are subject to change after the publication of this document.) This handbook is not a contract. It is for informational purposes only and provides no rights to the reader. Contents Information Guide... 2 Mission Statement... 4 Academic Information... 5 Student Services Davidson Student Center Student Life General Information Policies Campus Organizations Honor Societies Fraternities and Sororities Student Government Constitution Student Responsibilities and Rights

4 Student Handbook Students, On behalf of the student government association, faculty, staff, and student organizations, welcome to at CSU! We look forward to a year dedicated to enriching student life academically and socially at Columbus State University. Whether you are new or returning the words of Heraclitus of Ephesus ring true that, you cannot step twice into the same stream. For as you are stepping in, other waters are ever flowing on to you. This year promises to be something you have never experienced before. Within this handbook you will find helpful resources and information to aid in your trek across the stream. To many, this journey can seem intimidating, exciting, motivational, or even stressful. However, embrace this year s differences. Develop socially through a student organization, an event by the clocktower, or a Zumba class at our new Student Rec Center. Develop academically with classes on campus, the internet, or even abroad. The possibilities are endless if you strive for excellence and integrity in every endeavor. By the end of the year, if you push through the rapids that are, ever flowing on to you, you will not only cross the stream, but you will not be the same person you were at the beginning of your journey. Benjamin Long, President Student Government Association 3

5 Columbus State Univeristy MISSION STATEMENT Vision Columbus State University provides world-class education and assures student success through creative inquiry and community, regional, and global partnerships. Mission To achieve academic excellence through teaching, research, creative inquiry and student engagement. To achieve excellence in the student experience and prepare individuals for a life of success, leadership, and responsibility through community awareness, engagement, and service to others. To achieve recognition as a leader in community development, regional economic development, and public-private partnerships. 4

6 ACADEMIC INFORMATION Student Handbook The Columbus State University catalog is the primary source for academic information concerning grades, class standing, probation, exclusion, and re-admission. The director of admissions and the registrar are available if assistance is needed in the interpretation of academic regulations. Admissions Office The Admissions Office is located in University Hall. Although contact with the Admissions Office occurs primarily prior to enrollment, many services are available to currently or previously enrolled students. Staff members are available to provide assistance in meeting residency requirements for fee purposes and readmission procedures. Office of the Registrar The Office of the Registrar is located in University Hall. Staff members are available to provide services in a variety of areas, including degree requirements, registration, transfer of credit, academic transcripts, graduation, and enrollment verification. Detailed information regarding the grading system, grade point averages, academic citation, course withdrawal and refunds, graduation and honors, and the Regents Test may be found in the Columbus State University catalog. Complete information on undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbus State University, as well as limited information about other universities, is available upon request. Academic Advising and Registration Academic advising is an integral part of the educational program. Advising is the continuing interaction between student and advisor in a developmental process that involves the exchanging of information and setting of goals. This process enables the student to understand the educational and career options available. Students admitted to Columbus State University will be assigned to either University College (undeclared, high school joint enrollment, and learning support) or a CSU department. The student will confer with the advisor each term to discuss the specific courses required to complete the degree of the student s choice. The student maintains communication with the advisor throughout the academic career. Students may register by logging onto the CSU website, entering the CougarNet portal, and then accessing the Enrollment Services Tab. Please refer to the CSU Web for specific dates and information regarding early registration, late registration, and schedule change. Early registration A special advising and early registration period is held each semester. Before early registration begins, all advisors set aside ample time to be available for academic advising for the upcoming semester. Students are required to meet with an advisor each semester prior to registration. Scheduling an appointment well in advance is highly recommended. Late registration and schedule change Students who do not register early may register during late registration prior to the first day of classes. Additionally, students who wish to change their schedules may do so during the late registration and schedule change periods. If you have a disability that may prevent you from meeting course requirements, contact the instructor before the end of the first week of classes to file a student disability statement and to discuss a reasonable accommodation plan. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations may be made to assist you to meet the requirements, provided you are timely in working with the instructor to develop the plan. Enrollment in Online Courses Students who have not previously enrolled in an online course at CSU must complete the SmarterMeasure Assessment survey before they will be allowed to enroll in an online course. The survey can be found at online.columbusstate.edu under the Resources tab. 5

7 Columbus State Univeristy Academic Standing The progress of all students is evaluated at the end of each semester. Determination of academic standing is based on a student s institutional and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas. Students receiving financial aid should also refer to satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid section of this catalog. Academic probation Academic probation occurs when a student s overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below. Continued academic probation Continued academic probation occurs when, at the end of a student s probationary semester, a student s semester grade point average is 2.0 or higher and the overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below. Removal from probation Removal from probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student s overall grade point average equals or exceeds the satisfactory progress levels shown below. Academic exclusion Academic exclusion occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student s semester grade point average is lower than 2.0 and the overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below. The length of exclusion resulting from grade point averages will be a minimum of one semester after the first and second exclusion, and a minimum of one calendar year after the third exclusion. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University. Reinstatement on academic probation After the mandatory period of exclusion, as stated above, has elapsed, a student may apply for reinstatement on probation. The application must reach the Admissions Office by the published application deadline for the semester. Students must satisfy the conditions of the reinstatement before they will be eligible to register for classes for the following term. Satisfactory Progress Levels Minimum overall grade point Total GPA hours attempted (*) average for satisfactory progress or more 2.00 * Includes transfer and Columbus State University GPA hours Satisfactory Progress Levels for Students Entering Fall 2009 Minimum overall grade point Total GPA hours attempted (*) average for satisfactory progress or more

8 Student Handbook Learning Support Academic Standing Determination of academic standing is based on the student s overall and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas. Learning Support probation Learning Support probation occurs when a student s required learning support subject area is not satisfied after one course attempt in reading or English and two course attempts in math. Removal from Learning Support probation Learning Support probation removal occurs when a student assigned to learning support satisfies a required subject area. Learning Support Dismissal Learning Support Dismissal occurs when a required learning support subject area is not satisfied after two course attempts in reading or English and three course attempts in math. The length of dismissal, which is based on the number of learning support course attempts without satisfying a required subject area, will be one year. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University. Reinstatement on Learning Support probation A student may apply for reinstatement on Learning Support Probation after the mandatory period of dismissal has expired, as stated above. The application must reach the Admissions Office by the published application deadline for the semester. Students must satisfy the conditions of the reinstatement before they will be eligible to register for classes the following term. Class Attendance and Withdrawal The attendance policy for classes is established by the individual faculty member. If an instructor does not provide a written policy statement during the first week of classes, a student is permitted to accumulate a total of nine (9) hours of absences in a three credithour course without exclusion. An instructor may exclude a student and assign the grade of WF upon accumulation of 10 or more hours of absences, or the equivalent in courses carrying fewer credit hours. 7

9 Columbus State Univeristy Withdrawals Administrative Withdrawals A student may be administratively withdrawn from the University when in the judgment of the Dean of Students, and after consulting with appropriate University officials, such as the Director of Student Health Services and/or the Director of the Counseling Center, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which poses a significant danger or threat to others or the University. Course Withdrawal Students wishing to drop a course after the last official day of the schedule change period must officially withdraw from the course through CougarNet. Prior to the W grade deadline, as listed on the CSU website, a grade of W will be assigned by the registrar unless the instructor has already assigned a WF grade for excessive absences. A student initiating a withdrawal after the published deadline will automatically receive the grade of a WF. A student may appeal the WF grade if documentation of non-academic hardship is provided. Students may not withdraw from a required learning support course with a grade of W while remaining in degree level courses. To remain in degree level courses, the learning support withdrawal grade will be WF and will count as a learning support attempt. Refer to the CSU website for specific dates and additional information regarding course withdrawals. Medical Withdrawal See Academic Appeal Procedures for Students Academic Center for Excellence The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) provides students with a central resource for information about the academic programs, student support services, and other opportunities available at CSU. The Center assists students in exploring various majors and refers them, when appropriate, to related campus resources such as the Center for Career Development and the Counseling Center. Advisors in the Academic Center for Excellence work closely with advisors in the academic departments to provide specialized advising to transfer students, first-year students who have not selected their majors, and returning students who are considering changes in their majors. The faculty and staff of the Academic Center for Excellence are supportive of students and encourage them to make responsible and informed decisions about their programs of study. Tutorial Services Tutorial services are provided to CSU students through a variety of campus resources such as the Math and Science Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Office of Tutorial Services. The Math and Science Learning Center provides free tutorial services for core courses in math and science. Assistance is also provided for selected upper division courses in math and science. The Writing Center provides trained and knowledgeable Peer Writing Consultants who assist undergraduate and graduate students of all ability levels with writing assignments in courses across the curriculum. The Office of Tutorial Services in the Academic Center for Excellence provides free tutorial assistance for learning support courses in reading and writing and also core curriculum courses not served by the Math and Science Learning Center or the Writing Center. Free seminars and workshops provide information and strategies that assist students in making satisfactory progress in their chosen fields of study. Seminars & Workshops Free seminars & workshops are available each term. Topics include Time Management How to Read a Textbook Note Taking Test Taking Tips Study Skills Hints 8

10 Student Handbook Disability Services The Office of Disability Services coordinates the compliance of CSU with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Students who present proper documentation of physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities are provided with individualized plans tailored to their needs. Course requirements are not waived, but reasonable accommodations will be made when appropriate to assist you in meeting the requirements. In order to receive accommodations during a semester, appropriate documentation should to be presented to the coordinator prior to the beginning of that semester. For more information, go to disserv/ Non-Traditional Student Services Non-traditional students are defined as students who have been out of high school or received their GED, and have not attended college within five years of high school graduation. Adult Re-Entry Program CSU s Adult Re-Entry Program provides educational services to nontraditional students to include assistance with the Admissions and Financial Aid processes. During this course students will review reading, writing and math to prepare for the Compass Entrance Exam. The Adult Re-Entry program will make your transition into the world of higher education a smooth one. Adult Re-Entry Course CSUS Adult Re-Entry: Your First Step Towards Success - introduces nontraditional students to essential information and skills for survival in higher education. This course is available to students who have not been admitted to CSU. First Year Experience Before reaching sophomore status (30 credit hours), all first-time freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 30 credits must satisfy Columbus State University s First Year Experience requirement by enrolling in a Freshman Learning Community or the First Year Seminar (FYRS 1105), a three-hour credit course designed to help students make a successful transition to college. Students should discuss the options with an advisor to make the best choice for their individual course of study. 9

12 Student Handbook CSU Libraries Columbus State University maintains two libraries: the Simon Schwob Memorial Library on the main campus and the Music Library at CSU s RiverPark campus in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. The staff of the CSU Libraries is comprised of librarians and staff members who work to provide quality service for all library users. The libraries strive to contribute to the enhancement of student learning and make both libraries the intellectual hubs of their respective campuses. Schwob Library (Main Campus) Located in the center of the CSU campus, the Schwob Library serves as CSU s premier information resource. In addition to a collection of more than 400,000 volumes, the Schwob Library provides: A well-staffed Information Commons (28 computers) for one-stop information shopping (includes research and computer assistance) A computer lab (16 computers) with b/w, color and transparency printing, scanner and CD burner Circulating lap-top computers WiFi environment A PowerPoint practice room Einstein Bros. Bagels satellite Mezzanine for comfortable study The Reading Room, an area for individual study Beanbag chairs on the 1st floor for comfortable study Quiet Zone on 2nd floor for reading and studying Group and individual study rooms on the first, second and third floors Photocopiers for print (b&w and color) and microfilm (including digital save capability) Audiovisual equipment for viewing slides, watching videos and listening to CDs The CSU Archives, which houses documents and published materials relating to the history of the University and of Columbus and the surrounding area Note that in the Schwob Library, beverages in screw-top, spill-proof, plastic containers are allowed. Music Library (RiverPark Campus) Music Library is CSU s first departmental library. This facility houses the libraries music collection, including books, periodicals, sound recordings, CDs and videos related to music. It also provides computers, listening and viewing equipment, photocopiers and other library equipment. The Music Library is a convenient study destination for RiverPark CSU students. General Information The CSU Libraries offer a variety of services to assist students in their research activities, including: GALILEO, Georgia s web-based collection of over 100 electronic databases, available in both CSU libraries and in campus labs. GALILEO is also available off campus via a password (available through a student s GIL account; see https://gil.columbusstate. edu) or automatically via Cougarnet sign-in. In addition to databases purchased by GALILEO, CSU students also have access to a large assortment of CSU-purchased databases. These are accessible through the GALILEO web page and are identified in the GALILEO Database A-Z list by a CSU icon. GIL, the CSU Libraries online catalog, which provides access to all its collections. Through GIL, a student may: Check to see if the library owns a particular book or journal Check to see if a professor has a particular item on reserve Check his/her account to see what items he/she has checked out Renew items currently checked out (unless requested by another patron) 3-week loans of circulating materials, To check out library materials a student must present a valid CSU ID. Books may be checked out for a period of three weeks and 11

13 Columbus State Univeristy may be renewed two times via computer (GIL account), by phone, or in person, unless requested by another patron. Overdue fines are charged to encourage prompt return of borrowed items. Charges for library fines and fees are posted at the circulation desk and on the library web page at about_us/departments/circulation/circ_policy.php GIL Express, an innovative resource-sharing service offered at all libraries within the University System of Georgia (USG). The service allows CSU students access to all eligible circulating material at all USG libraries. GIL Express is available to CSU students online and on site (walk up). To use this system, search the USG Universal Catalog at https://giluc.usg.edu. To order an item, first locate a record for the item in the catalog, then simply click GIL Express Request at the top of the screen and fill in the required information. Once you submit a request, the item should arrive within 3 to 5 days. The circulation staff will notify you of the arrival via phone Interlibrary Loan (ILL), a service which borrows books and obtains copies of journal articles from other libraries for students usually at no charge A website located at that provides quick access to GALILEO, GIL and other electronic resources, as well as to information on library services, policies and other matters A Distance Learning page, accessible through the libraries website, that offers distance learning students special assistance with research, available at library.columbusstate.edu/services/distance_learning/index.asp One-on-one assistance in the Schwob s Information Commons and the Music Library s computer area Appointments with subject specialists for more in-depth assistance LIBR1105, a two-hour credit course (Area B seminar) that examines a wide variety of information formats and libraries, both physical and virtual. The Schwob Library is open almost 89 hours a week during the semester. Hours during semesters are: Monday - Thursday 7:30am 11:00pm Friday 7:30am 5:00pm Saturday 1:00pm 6:00pm Sunday 2:00pm 10:00pm Between semesters Schwob Library hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday Closed. Holiday and final exam hours are as posted at the front entrance and on the library web page. The Music Library hours during semesters are: Monday - Thursday 9:00am 8:30pm Friday 9:00am 5:00pm Saturday Closed Sunday 4:30pm 9:00pm *Only School of Music faculty/staff and students students have card access to the building on Sunday. Between semesters Music Library hours are Monday - Friday 9:00am 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday Closed. Holiday and final exam hours are as posted at the front entrance and on the library web page. 12

14 Student Handbook Reserve Officers Training Corps Columbus State University, in conjunction with the Department of the Army, maintains a Department of Military Science to acquaint students with the Army, its role in society, and fundamentals of leadership and management. ROTC aids students in developing those abilities and attitudes which will make them academically successful. The ROTC program is designed to train students to become well-educated junior officers for the active Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Students may elect to take the first two years of academic instruction without any military obligation. Students who want to pursue a commission in the Army Officer Corps and who meet eligibility requirements may continue to take the last two years of ROTC instruction and be commissioned as second lieutenants upon graduation. Students who missed the first two years of Army ROTC can receive credit for the Basic Course requirements by attending a 32-day Leaders Training Course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, between their sophomore and junior years. Those who have prior military experience or three years of JROTC can also receive credit. The ROTC program offers two, three, and four-year scholarships for students enrolled in or contemplating enrolling in ROTC. These scholarships pay for tuition and fees or room and board and $600 per semester for books and supplies. Scholarship students and all cadets enrolled in the last two years of the program also receive up to $5000 per year in subsistence allowance. For additional information contact the ROTC department, in Stanley Hall Room 102, or call or Testing Center The Testing Center is located on the second floor of the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center. The Center conducts all institutional testing for prospective and current students, such as COMPASS placement and exit exams, the Institutional SAT, Math Placement test, History Proficiency tests, Communication Technology Skills and Information Literacy Skills tests, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, the nursing entrance exam, and the Outcomes Assessment. The Testing Center also administers national exams, such as the SAT, MAT, and CHES. The Center provides proctoring services for students of other institutions enrolled in various types of independent study and professional development courses. The Testing Center also operates a Prometric Testing Center, which delivers academic and professional licensing and certification exams such as the GRE, CPA, MCAT, and FINRA exams, among many others. 13

15 Columbus State Univeristy STUDENT SERVICES Columbus State University offers a number of services to students that are not always apparent unless a student needs assistance in solving special problems. The staff encourages all students to seek assistance when needed. The Center for Career Development The Center for Career Development provides CSU students and alumni with careerrelated services, such as: resume critiques career advising mock interviews job shadowing job posting volunteering internships / co-ops financial literacy The Center for Career Development allows students to search for employment opportunities through CougarLink, on-line job database, which can be found on the website at This site includes postings for internships/ co-ops, volunteering, full-time and part-time employment. The Center for Career Development offers a variety of career-related programs throughout the year. The on-campus recruiting program invites employers to provide informational tables at various locations both on main campus and RiverPark. These opportunities provide students direct contact with hiring entities from across the region. Additionally, workshops are presented throughout the semester by area employers, including such topics as Résumé Writing, Interviewing Skills, Dining Etiquette, Dress for Success, Financial Awareness, and How to Work a Job Fair. Major career events are a highlight of the year such as the: Spring/Fall Job & Internship Fairs, which provide students and alumni with an excellent opportunity to connect with local, regional, and national employers and school districts. Career Opportunities Fair and College to Career Fair at Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The CCD provides transportation each fall and spring to these annual events. Volunteer Opportunities Fair, which connects students with local non-profits for a variety of service opportunities throughout the community. The Center for Career Development also offers career advising to assist in answering the question, What can I do with this major? Please visit our homepage to view information on more than 70 majors to learn more about possible occupations, potential industry employers, and job search success strategies. In addition, the CCD is proud to support the CSU Graduate School and our coordinators are available to assist with program information, application assistance, and interview preparation. Visit our website at call (706) or The CCD is located on the first floor of the Schuster Student Success Center in suite 102 on main campus. The Counseling Center The Counseling Center, located in room 300 Schuster, offers a variety of services to all students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The counseling staff consists of mental health professionals who are trained and experienced in facilitating personal development. A confidential atmosphere is provided where personal, social, and academic concerns may be discussed. These concerns include but are not limited to the following: anxiety management, depression, vocational and career decisions, loneliness, interpersonal relations (peers, boy/girl friend, family) and academic difficulties. If counseling staff is unable to provide the necessary service for a client, appropriate recommendations are discussed and referrals are made. The orientation and philosophy of the center give equal consideration to the emotional, personal, academic and vocational aspects of each student s development. Each semester, counseling staff present outreach programs on topics such as test anxiety reduction, personality styles, dream interpretation, learning strategies, stress management, 14

16 Student Handbook and assertiveness training. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free workshops. Psychological testing is available in areas of interest, intelligence, learning problems or academic achievement, and personality. The primary purpose of the testing services is to assist students in self-awareness and to integrate this awareness into decision-making skills and rewarding behavior. Diversity Programs and Services The office of Diversity Programs and Services located in the Davidson Student Center, room 271, provides assistance and advocacy to minority, multicultural and international students. Special interest programming is designed for these students to encourage creative thinking, social and global awareness and retention. Students are encouraged to visit the office for individual needs and to make suggestions of interest that will benefit the University. Financial Aid The Financial Aid Office is located in University Hall. This office coordinates scholarships, grants, part-time employment and loans. Aid is available for part-time and full-time students. Students wishing to apply for federal financial aid for fall 2012, spring 2013 or summer 2013 should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). on-line at (include the Columbus State University school code of ). Students seeking HOPE only do not need to complete the FAFSA but instead should apply for a Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) on the web at www. gacollege411.org Financial aid deadlines are: fall semester - May 1, spring semester - November 1 and summer semester - March 15. All financial aid documents should be submitted to the CSU Financial Aid Office prior to these deadlines to assure processing by the fee payment deadline for the semester. Students are encouraged to review CSU scholarship opportunities on-line at Residence Life The Office of Residence Life is located on University Avenue (behind Courtyard I) and the office number is (706) CSU Courtyard I is a 430-bed student residence complex that houses freshmen residents. Special programming and activities are planned for the freshmen at Courtyard The Intensive Study Program for upperclassmen with a 3.0 or higher G.P.A is also located in Courtyard I, as well as Honors Housing and The Wall Street learning Communities. It is located, just a short walk from the center of campus, on College Drive. A clubhouse, swimming pool, laundry facilities, game room, and cable and internet connections are included amenities. 15

17 Columbus State Univeristy CSU Courtyard II, a 349-bed complex is arranged in one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. Courtyard II houses upperclassmen and is located on Gentian Boulevard, which is within walking distance of the center of campus. Courtyard II also houses the Global Village and Second Year Experience Learning Communities. It has a clubhouse, laundry facility, outdoor recreation area, basketball courts, cable and internet connections, balconies, and outdoor storage. RiverPark Student Housing RiverPark student housing, a 360 bed student housing facility made up of three buildings in uptown Columbus, is open to all CSU students. The three buildings (Rankin, Columbus Hall, and Broadway Crossing) are conveniently located to serve students at the RiverPark Campus. The River Park campus is the home of the River Park Gaming (RPG) learning community. RiverPark student housing is apartment style living with a community atmosphere. Amenities include: basic furnishings, laundry facilities, Card Access control, high speed internet, cable, recreation and fitness facilities. The RiverPark campus has a dedicated shuttle to and from CSU s main campus. Maryland Student Housing Maryland Student Housing, which is located on Maryland Circle, is for upperclassmen only. There are many different options available, including private bedrooms in apartments that range from two bedrooms to five bedrooms. Amenities include: basic furnishings, laundry facilities, high speed internet, cable, and a shuttle to and from CSU s main campus. Also, Greek housing is located in Maryland Circle. Services for Students Who Have Disabilities If you have a documented disability as described by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), you may be able to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility. We recommend that you contact the Office of Disability Services in the Schuster Student Success Center, second floor, website: The Office of Disability Services can assist you and the instructor in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and provide support in developing appropriate accommodations for your disability. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may be made to assist you to meet the requirements. Technical support may also be available. Cougar Copy Center Cougar Copy Center is now located in the Davidson Student Center next to the Bookstore. Cougar Copy Center offers full printing and copying services to CSU students, faculty, and staff. Low cost copies, fax services, resume printing, book binding, transparencies, and copy paper as well as all your printing needs, from business cards to flyers, posters, newsletters, invitations, announcements, wide format posters and banners, and so much more. Graphic design and typesetting is also available. Call or stop by and find out how we can help you. (706) Fax (706) Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 16

18 Student Handbook Student Health Services Student Health Services are available to Columbus State University students on Main Campus and RiverPark Campus. A per semester student health fee allows the student access to either health center. The goal of student health services is to provide quality primary health care at a reasonable cost. Community referrals and health counseling are available through the health center. All medical care and counseling are confidential. The Main Campus Student Health Center is located in Tucker Hall and is open Monday through Friday. The hours of operation are posted each semester. Students who become sick or injured after hours may seek treatment at one of the local urgent care centers or emergency rooms. For medical emergencies call Emergency Medical Services (911) or Columbus State University Police ( ). For more information on hours and services, please call , or visit our website at ColumbusState.edu/ The RiverPark Campus Student Health Center is located in Building 6, behind University Police. The RiverPark Clinic is open part-time, and the hours are posted each semester. For more information on hours and services at the RiverPark clinic, please call , or visit our website at A family practice physician is available (at the main campus only) to see students by appointment during scheduled clinic hours. Students may be seen by a Physician Assistant or triage nurse on a walk-in basis at both locations. The student health clinic accepts and bills all insurance plans. This is in partnership with Vivature Health, our 3rd party billing company. Students are requested to bring a copy of their insurance card when visiting the center. Current In Network carriers are: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, MultiPlan and United Health Care. Students/parents may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from their health insurance company for services rendered at the CSU Health Center. Student health services does not practice balance billing and students do not have any obligation to pay for remaining patient responsibility charges beyond what the insurance company pays. If you have any questions concerning our 3 rd party billing or experience any difficulties with this process, please feel free to contact Vivature Health at All students are urged to have health insurance coverage of some type. A voluntary health insurance plan is available for non-insured students. The University System of Georgia has contracted with United Health Care as the vendor for student health insurance for the coming academic year, For more information, please call of visit our website at The university is not responsible for medical bills or for illness/injuries incurred in free play, physical education classes, university-sponsored intramural sports, including club sports, or other regularly scheduled classes or activities. Veteran Affairs The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) is located in University Hall. This office is responsible for monitoring veterans and their eligible dependents enrollments.this includes academic progress, course reductions and withdrawals. It is recommended that students maintain close contact with their respective faculty advisors and the OVA to insure proper enrollment for their degree objective and VA approved programs. Veterans Educational Benefits ELIGIBILITY & ENTITLEMENTS TITLE 38, U.S.C. VA Educational benefits are provided to the veteran and qualified dependents as follows: Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill Service personnel may be eligible to receive benefits if he/she initially entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985, and were discharged from active duty with an Honorable Discharge, have completed your contractual active duty obligation and have contributed $ a month for 12 months of your active duty service. 17

19 Columbus State Univeristy Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation is provided for veterans who have a service connected disability and were discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. The Veteran Administration determines eligibility. Chapter 32 - VEAP (Post Vietnam Era Veterans) Veterans who served and service persons currently serving are eligible if you: entered active duty after December 31, 1976 and before June , were released under conditions other than dishonorable, or continue on active duty but have completed their obligation period of service and have satisfactorily contributed to the program. The contribution account must have been opened prior to April 1, Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 Eligible individuals. Generally, an individual who served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, will be eligible for educational assistance under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. (Contact the Veterans Affairs Office for length of service requirements.) Active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call or order to active duty from a reserve component under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12303(g), 12302, or of Title 10 is qualifying active duty service. Chapter 33 Entitlement. Individuals eligible under chapter 33 are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. Individuals may not receive benefits under chapter 33, and 30, 31, 32, 35 of title 38 or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 concurrently. Individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more programs. For more information on Chapter 33, please contact the Veterans Affairs office at Columbus State University. Chapter 34 - GI Bill Veterans who served on active duty for more than 180 continuous days after January 31, 1955 and prior to January 1, 1977 and who were released under honorable conditions are eligible for the GI Bill. Eligibility for these benefits ceased at the end of 10 years from the date of release from active duty or on December 31, 1989, whichever comes first. Individuals who are eligible to receive Chapter 34 benefits on December 31, 1989 who served without a break in active duty from October 19, 1984 through June 30,1985 and have served continuously on active duty after June 30, 1985 for 3 years are eligible for benefits. Chapter 35 - Dependents Dependents of veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability or serviceconnected death are eligible for 45 months of educational entitlement. Chapter Selected Reserve Basic eligibility exists for a person who, after July 1, 1985 Enlists, reenlists or extends an enlistment for a period of not less than six years Serving as a reserve officer and agrees to serve an additional six years, in addition to your current obligation. Complete IADT (initial active duty for training), participating in Selective Reserve training and remain in good standing. Meet the requirements to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. Chapter Activated Reservists Makes certain individuals who were activated after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. Interested persons may contact the VA website at: or the Columbus State University Veterans Affairs Office, University Hall, (706) For information regarding credit for military training, please refer to the nontraditional sources of credit under the Undergraduate Admissions section of this catalog. For information regarding credit for military service, please refer to transfer students, and non-traditional sources of credit under the major heading Admission to the University and Academic Regulations. 18

20 DAVIDSON STUDENT CENTER Student Handbook The Davidson Student Center is operated for the benefit of all Columbus State University students. The cafeteria, CSU Bookstore and Cougar Copy Center are located on the first floor. Facilities located on the second floor of the building are the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, conference rooms, student lounge, and an auditorium. Administrative offices located on the second floor are the Office of Student Life which includes: Diversity Programs and Services, Student Life & Engagement, and Student Organizations, and Orientation. General Information A. The use of facilities in the Davidson Center may be scheduled through the facilities coordinator in room 271. Requests should be made in advance to ensure the availability of the area desired and to allow adequate time for scheduling special arrangements or services. B. Requests for use of facilities in the building imply that the individual or organization agrees to accept responsibility for the designated space and to abide by existing university policies and regulations. C. Users of the center are encouraged to keep the facilities clean and to protect the building and its contents from unnecessary abuse. In certain areas eating or drinking is prohibited. D. Food service catering for events must be arranged with the cafeteria manager. Outside catering is prohibited unless approved by the cafeteria manager. Bookstore The CSU Bookstore is operated by Follett Higher Education Group. The partnership insures a high quality of customer service, reliable textbook delivery, and increased availability of used textbooks. The bookstore offers a Textbook Rental Program which saves students significant amounts of money on their textbooks. Students may learn more about the program at In addition, the Bookstore also provides Early Book periods the week prior to and the first week after the start of each semester when students with excess financial aid can authorize up to $600 to be available for use in the bookstore. Please stop in the CSU Bookstore for details and dates. Students may sell their current edition textbooks back to the bookstore all year round. The peak purchase times are the first and last weeks of each semester. Books that are needed for store stock the following semester will be purchased at 50% of the student s purchase price. Books not being used on campus will be purchased at the prevailing market price. Students are also able to order clothing, supplies, as well as textbooks online at www. columbusstate.bkstr.com. These items can be shipped to the student or picked up in the bookstore during normal business hours. The CSU bookstore offers a wide variety of general supplies, clothing and gift items for all occasions. Graduation regalia, a selection of high quality diploma frames, and non-imprinted graduation announcements are available for purchase at the CSU Bookstore. Personalized graduation announcements are available for ordering. Class Rings may be purchased from the CSU Bookstore. Your ring is unique to the students and alumni of Columbus State University. The CSU class ring is a symbol of pride and dedication in earning your degree from the university. Periodic Graduation Fairs will be scheduled so that students and alumni can speak directly with a sales representative. RiverPark Campus Bookstore The CSU Bookstore on the RiverPark campus will offer most of the same services as the main campus store and cater to the classes being taught on the RiverPark campus. In addition there is a student art gallery attached to the Bookstore featuring student art work for sale. Students may visit the Bookstore at to learn about available items and store hours. 19

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